The ultimate goal of a recital is to tell a story through music that is powerful, memorable, and unrepeatable.

As the director of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra's Concertmaster Recital Series at the Knoxville Museum of Art, William Shaub has developed thematic programming that spans every period of music. His vision for recitals is focused on exploring the history of music and deeply examining the work of great composers through speaking from the stage, exciting community collaborations, and connecting musical language with the experiences of everyday life that we all share. Held at the Knoxville Museum of Art’s Grand Hall, performances at the Concertmaster Series are nearly sold out throughout the season.

Highlights of William’s recitals include a world premier of a commission by composer Alexandra T. Bryant (“Petrichor”), the world premier of Saad Haddad’s Violin Sonata in 2026, the world premier of Paul Frucht’s “What a Time” for violin and piano, and a spotlight on great living composers, including Carlos Simon, Mason Bates, and Kendall Briggs.

“I’ve come to view him as one of the most brilliant recital programmers around. It’s always a well-balanced combination that leaves me looking forward to the next one.” - Q&A from Programming for the 21st Centuryby Diana Skinner

 
 
Text detailing a concert program featuring works by Sarasate, Kreisler, Djawadi, Wallen, and Schumann, performed by William Shaub.
Promotional poster for Merchant & Gould Concertmaster & Friends Series featuring a man in formal attire holding a violin next to the text "Somewhere In Time."
Violinist William Shaub performing in a large room with an audience, next to a grand piano. The room has large windows with a view of trees outside. A screen displays a landscape painting. The ceiling has a decorative structure with colored elements.
Promotional image for "The Open" featuring Alexandra Bryant Tavani, William Shaub, and Kevin Class. Includes logos for Merchant & Gould and concert details highlighting an upcoming performance in the Concertmaster Series for Violin and Piano.
Knoxville Symphony Orchestra event guide with performances by Beethoven and Bryant, including Violin Sonata No. 4, selections from “The Open,” and String Quartet No. 16.
Musicians performing in a concert with an audience seated around. One person plays a violin, another plays a grand piano. The event takes place in a spacious room with large windows.
Silhouette of a person playing violin in front of large windows, with text "Exotic Winds from Distant Lands."
Concert poster for the "Clair de Lune" event by Knoxville Symphony Orchestra on March 30 & 31 at 7 pm at the Knoxville Museum of Art. Tickets are $25. The show features music by Debussy, Schumann, and Carlos Simon. The poster includes a photo of two